Sales Manager

About the role

The Sales Manager will support customer acquisition and strengthen Erdrich USA's regional market position, managing commercial aspects throughout the full product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and develop existing product segments and identify new strategic segments.
• Conduct market and competitive analyses and explore new product opportunities.
• Collaborate with technical counterparts to prepare calculations, quotations, and feasibility assessments.
• Present products and lead commercial contract negotiations with customers.
• Coordinate technical and commercial product changes throughout the lifecycle.
• Act as the main commercial point of contact for assigned customers and internal stakeholders.
• Represent Erdrich at workshops, fairs, exhibitions, and industry events.
• Drive acquisition of new projects and grow business with existing and potential customers.
• Ensure accurate and complete data management within the sales function.
• Support alignment of project goals and requirements across German and U.S. facilities.

Required Qualifications

• Completed engineering degree or comparable technical background (Bachelor’s or Master’s preferred).
• Several years of professional experience in sales within the automotive or manufacturing industry.
• Strong understanding of press technology, deep drawing, forming, joining processes, coating, and related manufacturing technologies.
• Knowledge of automotive industry development cycles and terminology.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, evaluate manufacturability, and explain deviations to customers.
• Strong contract and commercial knowledge.
• Professional-level English (additional languages a plus).
• Profit-oriented mindset with strong analytical and organizational skills.

Professional Competencies

• Deep understanding of sales processes, costing, and quoting parameters.
• Ability to evaluate product feasibility and provide technical-commercial insight.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts clearly.
• Knowledge of tooling, automation, assembly systems, and special machinery.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with production, engineering, and business units.

Personal Attributes

• Strong organizational skills.
• Resilience and adaptability.
• Motivation and eagerness to develop markets.
• Conflict resolution ability.
• Team-oriented and persuasive.
• Detail-focused, accurate, and reliable.
• Results-oriented and credible.

Work Environment & Travel

• Primary work location: Detroit Sales Office (Bloomfield Hills, MI).
• Travel required domestically and internationally, including extended trips (weekly or multi-week).
• Must comply with all company safety and environmental regulations.